HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1486

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:

February 14, 2011

Title: An act relating to authorizing Washington pharmacies to fill prescriptions written by advanced registered nurse practitioners in other states.

Brief Description: Authorizing Washington pharmacies to fill prescriptions written by advanced registered nurse practitioners in other states.

Sponsors: Representatives Green, Jinkins, Cody, Hinkle, Moeller, Bailey, Schmick, Clibborn, Kelley and Condotta.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 1/31/11, 2/3/11 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/14/11, 92-1.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows Washington pharmacies to honor the prescriptions of out-of-state advanced registered nurse practitioners with respect to controlled substances.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Kelley, Moeller and Van De Wege.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

It is unlawful to possess, deliver, or dispense a legend drug or controlled substance except pursuant to a prescription issued by health care professionals with prescriptive authority who are licensed in Washington; e.g., physicians, dentists, and advanced registered nurse practitioners. Additionally, Washington pharmacies may honor prescriptions written by the following professions from other states:

In 2010 the Legislature added out-of-state advanced registered nurse practitioners to this list with respect to legend drugs, but not controlled substances.

Summary of Bill:

Washington pharmacies may honor prescriptions written by out-of-state advanced registered nurse practitioners with respect to controlled substances.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Last year the Legislature allowed Washington pharmacies to honor the prescriptions of out-of-state advanced registered nurse practitioners. However, last year's bill contained a drafting error that limited the bill's effect to legend drugs. This bill fixes this technical issue that was not identified until after session was over last year.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Jerry Green and Tamara Warnke, ARNPs United of Washington State.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.